GREENFIELD, Iowa — President Joe Biden has approved FEMA funding for the town of Greenfield following a deadly tornado. Now, FEMA is working to bring residents everything they need to know with direct resources on the ground.
"This tornado just cut right through Greenfield like a knife, and we've seen every type of need that you could possibly imagine," said John Mills, a spokesperson for FEMA.
FEMA staff members are now surveying the damage across Greenfield and offering their assistance where they can. They have set up services in Greenfield City Hall, where residents can come speak with a FEMA member and be walked through their options.
"Some people have begun clean up, some people may not know where to begin, so that's why we want to hear from people about what their needs are," Mills said.
Residents tell Local 5 all the resources they have seen around town have been very helpful. Residents add they have been working with insurance and some heard from FEMA.
Local 5 learned about a letter sent to residents who don't qualify for FEMA funding because they are already covered by insurance, leaving many Greenfield residents confused.
However, Mills says all residents should still apply, regardless of if they have insurance coverage.
"Every household's exact situation is unique, so we're committed to working with every family, every household, on a case-by-case basis," Mills said.
FEMA can't provide assistance for things already covered by insurance, but can step in for things that aren't covered. Typically, FEMA is able to help when people are displaced or with replacing lost or damaged items.
"People have really gone through a traumatic experience here, and they're still facing that, and so some people just want someone to talk to, and we're willing to do that," Mills said.
Mills told Local 5 FEMA has already helped over 70 residents as of Monday evening.
If residents would like to go to FEMA for services, all they need to provide is the social security number of one member of the household and proof of residence.
If residents are interested in applying, they can call FEMA directly at 800-621-3362 or apply online at disasterassistance.gov.
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Greenfield City Hall.